Senior Graphic Designer at The George Washington University

I. JOB OVERVIEW

Job Description Summary:

The Office of Communications and Marketing is comprised of a high-performing team responsible for advancing the university’s reputation and telling GW’s story through a diverse array of university channels, including digital and web properties and publications, multimedia and web properties, creative services, publications, media relations and paid marketing efforts across the university. This office drives the strategy and tactics for highlighting and raising the visibility of the university’s experts, initiatives, and accomplishments.

We are seeking a Senior Graphic Designer to join our central graphic design team in support of GW’s philanthropic efforts. Working closely with the Managing Art Director and members of the marketing and Development and Alumni Relations teams, the Senior Graphic Designer will plan and create original compelling, in-brand, and best-in-class visual marketing and communications materials.

This senior position executes complex and high-profile design projects and creates original visual communication and marketing deliverables for the promotion of GW activities, utilizing a full scope of technical skills and creative methods. This role acts as the key internal contact for integrated design solutions, playing a key role in design meetings and establishing productive relationships with various staff and partners, and supporting them with design solutions. This position participates in the creation and development of programmatic brand standards. Additional responsibilities include designing and producing high quality creative artwork for a wide range of print and digital materials, ensuring appropriate formats for communications, print, and digital, and overseeing final press check before communications are sent to print.

Responsibilities Include:

• Develops the visual strategy for GW marketing and communication collateral, events, videos, and other materials.
• Creates original creative visual communication and marketing deliverables for the promotion of GW activities, with a focus on philanthropic communications materials.
• Executes complex design projects utilizing full scope of technical skills and creative methods. Uses Creative Cloud and other design software to produce print and digital pieces including reports, proposals, brochures, environmental graphics, merchandise, advertising materials, logos, invitations, and multimedia graphics.
• This position may supervise a team of student designers, assigning and approving work, providing corrective feedback where necessary, and setting priorities. 
• Partners with members of the marketing team to develop comprehensive print, web, and multimedia collateral to be used to meet the university’s promotional and philanthropic objectives and ensure adherence to university brand strategies, goals, and guidelines.
• Participates in press checks and other quality control measures including preflighting computer files before they are sent to vendors.
• This position participates in the development and implementation of organizational processes including but not limited to researching and teaching new creative techniques to staff in the department; creating programming for staff creative retreats to increase communication and creativity skills in the department; and providing administrative support as it relates to computers and software issues.
• Maintains expertise in and awareness of creative trends and technical developments by studying trade publications, attending training sessions, and participating in local and national organizations.
• Maintains appropriate production consultations with Managing Art Director.

Perform other work-related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 5 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant area of study plus 3 years of relevant professional experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working within or for a philanthropic organization where fundraising efforts often benefit from nimble and responsive turnaround.
• Experience working on fundraising campaign collateral (i.e. case statements, campaign branding, etc.)
• Experience creating complex, multi-page layouts
• Experience creating templates in software like Canva, Marq, or Adobe Express.

Hiring Range

$64,483.58 - $106,415.52

GW Staff Approach to Pay

Healthcare Benefits

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit

II. JOB DETAILS

Campus Location:

Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department:

EVP & CFO Administration

Family

Comm, Mktg & Media

Sub-Family

Graphic and Visual Arts

Stream

Individual Contributor

Level

Level 3

Full-Time/Part-Time:

Full-Time

Hours Per Week:

40

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday (daytime hours), Occasional evenings and weekends

Will this job require the employee to work on site?

Yes

Employee Onsite Status

Hybrid

Telework:

Yes

Required Background Check:

Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

Special Instructions to Applicants:

 - Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status

- Please attach a portfolio that best demonstrates your aesthetic,
organization, and skills as a graphic designer in other documents.

Internal Applicants Only?

No

Posting Number:

S013568

Job Open Date:

01/28/2025

Job Close Date:

02/10/2025

If temporary, grant funded, Sponsored Project funded or limited term appointment, position funded until:

Background Screening

Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

EEO Statement:

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.